How to prepare your home before selling — simple steps that make a big impact
Before your property hits the market, preparation can make all the difference. A well-presented home sells faster, attracts more offers, and often earns a higher price — all because buyers fall in love the moment they walk through the door.
Author
James Miller
Published
Dec 5, 2024
Category
Guide
Author
James Miller
James is the coffee-powered creative mind behind this blog. With over a decade of experience in architecture and design, he loves blending innovation with practicality. When not sketching blueprints or writing tips, you’ll find James exploring art galleries or chasing the perfect sunset for inspiration.
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“Selling a home isn’t just about listing — it’s about presenting a lifestyle buyers want to step into.”
Here’s how to make your home camera-ready, tour-ready, and buyer-ready — without spending a fortune.
1. Start with a deep clean
The power of first impressions
A spotless home signals that it’s well cared for — and buyers notice.
Focus on kitchens, bathrooms, floors, and windows. Dust light fixtures, clean grout lines, and polish handles and taps until they shine.
Tip from agents
Hire a professional cleaning crew if possible. A deep clean once before listing can make your home feel instantly newer and more valuable.
2. Declutter and depersonalize
Make space for imagination
Buyers need to picture their life in your home — not yours.
Remove personal photos, collections, and excess décor. Simplify shelves and tabletops to look open and intentional.
Store away extra furniture and seasonal items. Clear spaces feel larger, calmer, and easier to love.
“You’re not erasing your story — you’re giving buyers room to imagine their own.”
3. Fix what’s broken
Little repairs, big return
Small flaws — a squeaky door, chipped paint, or a loose handle — can distract buyers and make them doubt the home’s condition.
Tackle these minor fixes before listing:
Repaint scuffed walls.
Replace burnt-out bulbs.
Tighten door hinges and cabinet knobs.
Repair cracks or leaks early.
The goal is to remove any “mental price deductions” buyers might make while touring.
4. Neutralize and refresh your décor
Appeal to everyone, not just one style
Bold colors and niche décor can limit your audience.
Choose neutral paint tones like warm white, soft beige, or greige (gray + beige). These create a blank canvas that helps buyers visualize their own style.
Add simple, modern touches — a new rug, matching lamps, or fresh bedding — to make rooms look bright and coordinated.
5. Focus on curb appeal
The outside sets the tone
The first thing buyers see shouldn’t be weeds or peeling paint.
Mow the lawn, trim hedges, and add fresh mulch.
Paint or clean the front door.
Add potted plants or a new doormat for a welcoming feel.
Curb appeal often decides whether a buyer feels excited before they even step inside.
6. Stage your spaces intentionally
Make each room tell a story
Good staging highlights your home’s strengths.
Rearrange furniture to emphasize flow and space.
Use mirrors to reflect light and make rooms feel bigger.
Set the dining table or style the kitchen counter with subtle décor.
If your property is vacant, consider virtual staging — it’s affordable and works great for online listings.
7. Let there be light
Bright homes feel bigger and happier
Open curtains, clean windows, and add warm bulbs where needed.
Natural light sells homes — it photographs beautifully and gives instant appeal.
If possible, schedule showings during daylight hours for that soft, welcoming glow buyers love.
8. Capture professional photos
Your first showing happens online
Over 90% of buyers start their search online — and great photos are what make them click.
Hire a real estate photographer or let your agent arrange one. They’ll know the best angles, lighting, and time of day to make your home shine.
“A camera doesn’t just capture rooms — it captures emotion.”
9. Work with the right agent
Selling smart starts with teamwork
A skilled agent understands your market, sets the right price, and markets your property across multiple platforms.
They also coordinate tours, filter serious buyers, and handle negotiations — so you don’t have to.
With Realist, you get marketing support, staging advice, and professional listings that reach the right audience — fast.
Final thoughts
Selling your home is both a business decision and a personal milestone.
When you prepare it with care — clean, declutter, repair, and style — you’re not just increasing value, you’re crafting a story that buyers want to be part of.
🏡 Thinking about selling?
Let Realist help you make your property stand out. From valuation to final closing, we handle every step with transparency and care.
💬 Contact us today to get your free property consultation and expert selling plan.
